General Information

Participants on this tour were Dave and Val Lander and Steve Mann. This short break was taken in early spring, and although a few summer visitors had not yet arrived most of the raptors and many of the earlier visitors had arrived. This time of year was excellent for seeing the Bustards displaying, as the grass was still quite short and Eagle Owls were quite vocal. The daylight hours were longer than we expected, getting light just before 7am and going dark around 9 pm (local time).

A brief itinerary :-
Saturday 31st March - flight from Liverpool to Madrid, then we drove to Embalse de Castrejon and after dark continued on to Trujillo. Overnight at the Parador in Trujillo.
Sunday 1st April - birding at the Belen Plains in the morning and in the afternoon we birded along the roads in the Trujillo and Monroy area ending up at Tietar Cliffs in Montfrague in the evening. Overnight at the Parador in Trujillo.
Monday 2nd April - birding in the Campo Lugar and Madrigalejo areas before driving towards La Serena and ending up at Puerto la Nava in the evening. Overnight at Hotel Polideportivo in Cabeza del Buey.
Tuesday 3rd April - birding in the La Serena area in the morning and driving up towards Montfrague in the afternoon ending up at Tietar Cliffs in the evening. Overnight at Hotel Azar in Plasencia.
Wednesday 4th April - birding in the Sierra de Gredos in the morning and later driving over the Puerto del Pico and birding in the Corchuela area. Overnight at the Parador in Oropesa.
Thursday 5th April - birding in the Calera y Chozas area and later at Embalse de Azutan before returning to Madrid Airport for the flight home.

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Parador in Trujillo - this converted convent was of a very high standard, though the tiled floors and heavy wooden doors could be noisy at times. Well signposted when arriving from the NV, though could be difficult to find when approaching from other directions. Tel No. 927 32 13 50
Hotel Polideportivo - not of a very high standard (a bit rough) but we got a good nights sleep. Well situated for an early start in the La Serena area, on the edge of town on the EX 104. Tel No. 927 600 756
Hotel Azar in Plasencia - a very high standard and quite easy to find at the junction of the E803 Salamanca road and the N 630 to Caceres. Quite close to Montfrague. Tel No. 927 42 18 33
Parador in Oropesa - a very high standard and well signposted from the NV. Tel No. 925 43 00 00
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Saturday 31st March.
We flew with Easyjet from Liverpool to Madrid arriving at around 4.30 pm local time. We then drove around the M 40 and turned off onto the NV. We saw our first Crested Larks, Serins and Hoopoes from the car, along these roads. We then turned onto the N 403 to Torrijos, from where we took the CM4009 and then the CM 4050 to Burujon. A brief stop in an agricultural area near Burujon produced our first Stone Curlew of the trip while a probable female Hen Harrier quartered a distant field. We then continued along the road to Embalse de Castrejon, first continuing along the CM 4050 past Alcubillete, to view the reservoir from a roadside lay-by. From here we saw several Red-crested Pochards, Purple Herons and Marsh Harriers etc. Later we drove along a track up to the cliffs (known locally as Las Barrancas) at the northern end of the reservoir to look for Eagle Owl. From here we were able to look down on several Purple Gallinules and large numbers of Grey Herons in this corner of the reservoir, while a Little Bustard called briefly from a nearby field. After a few minutes one Eagle Owl began calling, and I managed to see one perched briefly on a distant ridge, though Dave and Val did not see it. As it got later two were calling just below us but they did not show again before dark. After dark we drove on to Trujillo staying at the Parador de Turismo overnight.

Sunday 1st April.
Early in the morning we drove to the Belen Plains, first stopping by a rough track which crossed the road. From here we saw Little Bustard, Black Kite and numerous White Storks. After this we returned to a scrubby area nearer to Belen where we saw three Great Spotted Cuckoo, several Stone Curlews, Southern Grey and Woodchat Shrikes, Sardinian Warbler, Spanish Sparrows etc. We then drove further along the road stopping by a gate, from where we saw several Black and Egyptian Vultures sat on rocks among the steppe waiting to visit a nearby carcass while Calandra Larks were singing all around us. Suddenly we spotted our first Great Bustard quite close giving excellent views for several minutes, before it flew over the road, quite close to us and not much above head height. It seemed to have difficulty flying and had its bill open as if gasping for air as it passed. We then moved further along the road to another gateway on top of a hill, where we saw Thekla Lark and had further views of the Black Vultures. We then drove further along stopping by another broad track from where we saw a distant Montagu's Harrier. A little further along the road we stopped by some farm buildings where Lesser Kestrels and Spotless Starlings were breeding. We then returned to where we had seen the original Great Bustard and now five birds were present. Later during the morning we drove along the C-524 Trujillo to Monroy road stopping first after about 2.9km by a small pond opposite a farm. Here we saw Red-rumped Swallow, two Booted Eagles, Black Vulture and Spanish Sparrows. We then drove a further 0.7km stopping where a stream crossed the road near an abandoned farm where there were lots more Spanish Sparrows, White Storks and Cettis Warbler. We then continued and stopped at approximately 4.6km where an area of steppe rose to the right, of the road. From here we saw nine Little Bustard, and Montagu's Harrier. At about 11.7km we stopped on a raised section of old road and although heat haze was becoming a problem by then, we did see Short-toed Lark, Little Owl, Fan-tailed Warbler and huge numbers of Spanish Sparrows were nesting in a nearby clump of eucalyptus trees. We then continued and turned left onto the Santa Magasca road stopping at the Rio Magasca. Here we saw Green Sandpiper, Crag Martins, Kingfisher, Cirl Bunting and Serins as well as large numbers of Tortoises or Terrapins? which sat on the riverside rocks. Later we continued back towards the Monroy road and stopped briefly by a pond below a farm to the right of the road. This area was fairly quiet but Woodlark were singing nearby also Hoopoe and large numbers of Spanish Sparrows were present. We then drove through Monroy and out into dehesa on the other side and stopped at the entrance to a track for our first Azure-winged Magpies. At lest 50+ were present in this area. We then continued and turned right at the junction towards Torrejon el Rubio stopping to look for Spanish Imperial Eagles on the pylons north of this road. From here we saw two Imperial Eagles over the road giving good but fairly distant views. These were joined briefly by a third bird which they appeared to chase away. From here we also saw numerous other raptors. Later we drove back along the road to a track to look for Black-shouldered Kite at a regular site. We did not see the Kites but plenty of other birds were present in the area including Little Bustard, Shrikes, breeding White Storks in the pines etc. Later we drove on into Montfrague stopping briefly opposite Penafalcon where we saw Blue Rock Thrush, Short-toed Eagle, Black Stork etc, before continuing to Tietar Cliffs to try for Eagle Owl. Just as it got dark I saw an Eagle Owl fly past the nest cave to a nearby ledge, but unfortunately it landed out of sight, and again Dave and Val did not see the bird. After dark we drove back to Trujillo staying overnight at the Parador de Turismo.

Monday 2nd April.
Early in the morning we drove along the EX 208 to Zorita and then the EX 378 towards Madrigalejo, turning onto a minor road towards Campo Lugar. After a short while we stopped by a farm entrance from where we saw four Great and c40 Little Bustards, six+ Stone Curlews and numerous Larks etc, Then we drove further along the road stopping near a pool on the left after approximately 3.3km, from where we saw another Great Bustard, a Whinchat and several Wheatears etc. Then we drove further along the road stopping on a high vantage point at around 4.6km. From here we saw ten more Great Bustard and several more Little Bustards. We then continued further along this road towards Campo Lugar to turn around seeing a Montagu's Harrier along the way. We then drove back along this road turning right on the EX 378 towards Madrigalejo. We then turned right onto a track past the finca Suerte los Menudos, which went through an area of mainly ploughed fields with irrigation ditches. Along here we saw two-three Red Avadavat, two Pratincoles, Red-rumped Swallows and large numbers of Spanish Sparrows etc. Later we returned to the EX 378 and stopped at some roadside pools about 3km further on, where we saw Little Ringed Plover and had excellent views of a Black Vulture circling about 30-40 feet, above our heads. We then continued along the road a further 1.4km turning left onto the track past Restaurante Mayve though this area appeared fairly quiet apart from lots of Spanish Sparrows, and nesting White Storks. We then returned to the EX 378 again and stopped by the Rio Gargaligas which was excellent. Here we saw 50+ Red Avadavats, Pratincole, Sedge Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler while a Golden Oriole called from the riverside bushes. We then continued along the EX 378 to the N 430 where we turned right and then later right again towards Zubaran. After crossing a high bridge a few km after Zubaran, we turned right onto a potholed road to check a possible site for Black-shouldered Kite. We had no luck with the Kites though we did see Sardinian Warbler, Woodchat and Southern Grey Shrikes. We then continued towards La Serena, seeing several Montagu's Harriers along the way. We then stopped by the Arroyo Guadalefra to try for Waxbills, and though we did find any, we did see our only Song Thrush of the trip and a Nightingale was singing in the area. We then drove on heading towards Cabeza del Buey stopping briefly at Benguerencia de la Serena, to watch 30-40 Alpine Swifts flying around the Castillo. During the late evening we drove to Puerto la Nava to try for Eagle Owl. We did not see or hear any Owls but we did see Golden Eagle and Thekla Lark. Overnight at Hotel Polideportivo Cabeza del Buey.

Tuesday 3rd April.
Early in the morning we drove to the Civil War Track where we saw numerous Great and Little Bustards, Black-bellied and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, several Stone Curlew, Short-toed Lark etc. We then we drove along the Pavarosa track where we saw even more Great Bustards etc. After this we stopped by a pond ˝ km north of this track where there were several Pratincoles, before driving on and stopping briefly just after the turn off to Embalse de Zujar. This area was fairly quiet though we heard Hoopoe and Little Bustard calling. We then returned and turned right towards Embalse de Zujar, stopping by the bridge over an arm of the reservoir. Red-rumped Swallows were nesting in the bridge as well as large numbers of Jackdaws. We then drove further along, turned left and went on a walk out onto the steppe on the right of the road, and although this was fairly quiet we did see Little Owl and various Larks. We then set off to return to the Montfrague area, stopping briefly just south of Zorita to view a large gathering of Griffon and a few Black Vultures in a field close to the road giving excellent views. We then continued on towards Montfrague stopping briefly again at Penafalcon where we saw Chough, Blue Rock Thrush, Peregrine etc. We then continued on to Mirador de Tajadilla where we saw Azure-winged Magpies, Rock Bunting etc. We then continued over the dam stopping briefly by the pines up the hill to look for Crested Tit (one calling not seen), then we stopped very briefly at Mirador de Bascula to look for raptors though we only saw Subalpine Warbler and Black Stork. Next we continued on to Estacion De Bazagona to look for Black-shouldered Kite. This site now has private and no entry signs at the entrance, so we did not go to look for the Kites though we did see Redstart and Woodlark among other things, in the area. We then drove back to Tietar Cliffs where an Eagle Owl was on show, perched in a crevice and another one began calling as it went dark. We then drove on towards Plasencia staying overnight at Hotel Azar.

Wednesday 4th April.
We set off early along the N110, and then the C 500 towards the Gredos Mountains, stopping briefly along the roadside where we saw Cirl Bunting, Woodlark etc, before continuing and turning off onto the AV 931 leading up to the Plataforma de Gredos. We stopped briefly by a campsite in pinewoods at the base of the mountain where we saw numerous Crossbills. Then we drove up the mountain road stopping by a bridge over a stream where we saw Crag Martins, Grey Wagtails, Black Redstart and Subalpine Warbler. We then drove further up the mountain stopping where the road passed steep rocky slopes. Here were numerous Water Pipits, Rock Buntings and Spanish Ibex. We then continued to the car park, where Rock Buntings came to crumbs, and walked up the track into the mountains. High up in an area of low scrub we saw a superb male Bluethroat of the unspotted Spanish race and numerous Skylarks and Water Pipits etc. Later we drove back down the mountain stopping by the campsite again to check the pinewoods. In these woods were Firecrest, Goldcrest, Crested Tit, Coal Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper, lots of Crossbills and Red Squirrel etc. We then drove back down to the C500 and walked briefly in the woods behind the Parador de Gredos. Here we saw about 20 Citril Finch among other things. After this we drove over the pass at Puerto del Pico, seeing Ibex by the roadside and back down into the dehesa around Corchuela to try again for Black-shouldered Kite. We stopped .just south of the village for a while and though we saw no Black-shouldered Kites we did see lots of other birds in the area, including up to six+ Booted Eagles including one dark-phase bird, lots of Azure-winged Magpies, Montagu's Harriers etc before driving back north of the village to try various other spots seeing Subalpine Warbler, Cuckoo etc. We then returned back to try the area south of the village until nearly dusk. We then drove to Oropesa staying in the Parador there overnight.

Thursday 5th April.
Early in the morning we drove towards Calera y Chozas stopping by arable land on the way as we finally found a Black-shouldered Kite. We watched it hunting briefly over a cereal field, then it flew over the NV into Dehesa. We then drove back over the NV following it into Dehesa del Horcajo, where we obtained good views as it flew around the trees and perched on a small pylon. We then continued towards Calera y Chozas stopping by a small pool on the left before the village . Here we had excellent views of two Great Spotted Cuckoos mating, and two Great Bustards flying past. A little further along towards the village we saw a male Hen Harrier and a Green Sandpiper. At Calera y Chozas we turned right onto the CM4101 and then right again onto a track where we saw another flock of 40 quite close Great Bustards. Further along we saw another three Great Bustards. Next we stooped along a raised area of the track where we saw several Montagu's Harriers, Fan-tailed Warbler and several Quail were calling. We then continued, stopping briefly to view a further group of seven even closer Great Bustards. We then set off towards Embalse de Azutan where we had superb views of a male Penduline Tit building a nest close to the road, and several Purple Gallinules gave close views. We also saw Spanish Yellow Wagtail and a few Tree Sparrows before setting off towards Madrid Airport for our flight home.

Systematic List

GREAT CRESTED GREBE Several were seen at Embalse de Castrejon on 31st Mar.
CORMORANT Quite common around most of the larger wetland areas and often seen flying over the steppes.
CATTLE EGRET Quite common in most areas. A very large colony at Embalse de Azutan.
PURPLE HERON Several seen at Embalse de Castrejon on 31st Mar. GREY HERON Fairly common around most larger wetland areas.
BLACK STORK Seen at Penafalcon, from Mirador de Bascula and at Tietar Cliffs in Montfrague.
WHITE STORK Very common, throughout the area, many buildings having nesting birds.
MALLARD Quite common in most areas.
RED-CRESTED POCHARD Several seen on Embalse de Castrejon on 31st Mar.
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE One seen hunting over crops near the Calera y Chozas turn-off of the NV on the morning of 5th Apr. Later it flew into dehesa (Dehesa del Horcajo) on the other (north) side of the NV where we relocated it and got good views.
BLACK KITE Very common seen most places.
RED KITE A few seen but much scarcer than Black Kite.
EGYPTIAN VULTURE Quite common, seen on Belen Plains and various places around Montfrague.
GRIFFON VULTURE Very common, seen in most areas.
BLACK VULTURE Quite common, seen on Belen plains, along the roads around Trujillo and Montfrague. On 3rd Apr we had very close views of four-five sitting in a roadside field with 100+ Griffons just south of Zorita.
SHORT-TOED EAGLE One near Penafalcon on 1st Apr, one near Tietar Cliffs on 1st Apr, one near Mirador de Trajadilla on 3rd Apr and one near Parador de Gredos on 4th Apr.
MARSH HARRIER Several seen at Embalse de Castrejon on 31st Mar and two at Embalse de Azutan on 5th Apr.
HEN HARRIER An adult male near Calera y Chozas on 5th Apr and a probable female near Burujon on 31st Mar.
MONTAGU'S HARRIER Quite common in most steppe and arable farmland areas. At least 17 seen.
SPARROWHAWK One seen at Tietar cliffs on 3rd Apr.
COMMON BUZZARD Quite common in many areas.
SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLE Two over the Monroy to Torrejon del Rubio road on 1st Apr were joined briefly by a third bird.
GOLDEN EAGLE One at Puerto la Nava on 2nd Apr.
BOOTED EAGLE Quite common about 15 seen during the trip. All were pale phase birds except for one dark phase at Corchuela on 4th Apr.
OSPREY One seen flying north to the east of Belen Steppes on 1st Apr.
LESSER KESTREL Quite common on the steppes, often breeding in old farm buildings and in the Paradors at Trujillo and Oropesa.
KESTREL A few seen around the steppe areas, several pairs were present around nest boxes on pylons by the roadside. Also seen in the Gredos Mountains.
PEREGRINE FALCON Two at Penafalcon on 3rd Apr.
RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Quite common and widespread on the steppes and especially farmland in the area.
QUAIL Heard calling in many areas.
WATER RAIL Heard calling in irrigation ditches along the track past finca Suerte los Menudos to the north of Madrigalejo on 2nd Apr and at Embalse de Azutan on 5th Apr.
MOORHEN Seen in many wetland areas.
PURPLE GALLINULE Up to six seen at Embalse de Castrejon on 31st Mar and three+ at Embalse de Azutan on 5th Apr.
COOT Seen on Embalse de Castrejon on 31st Mar.
LITTLE BUSTARD Over 150 birds seen or heard during the trip. Areas where birds were seen and heard included Belen Plains, along the C-524 Trujillo to Monroy road, the CC-912 Monroy - Torrejon el Rubio road, the Campo Lugar road, various areas of La Serena and the Calera y Chozas area.
GREAT BUSTARD A total of 147 birds seen during the trip, consisting of five Belen Plains on 1st Apr, 15 along the Campo Lugar road on 2nd Apr, a total of 75 seen La Serena on 3rd Apr (mainly along the Civil War Track and on the Pavarosa track about 4kms to the north) and 52 in the Calera y Chozas area on 5th Apr.
BLACK-WINGED STILT Seen on several roadside pools.
STONE CURLEW Quite common in most areas of the steppes, about 22 seen and many others heard during the trip.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE Two in fields along the track past finca Suerte los Menudos, north of Madrigalejo and one by the Rio Gargaligas on 2nd Apr, several by a roadside pool ˝ km north of the Pavarosa Track at La Serena on 3rd Apr.
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Seen at Rio Almonte on 1st Apr, by roadside pools north of Madrigalejo and along the Rio Gargaligas on 2nd Apr.
LAPWING One on floodwater by the NV on 31st Mar and one on floodwater pools west of Calera y Chozas on 5th Apr.
REDSHANK One at Embalse de Azutan on 5th Apr.
SNIPE One by Rio Gargaligas on 2nd Apr.
GREEN SANDPIPER One alongside the Rio Magasca on 1st Apr, one by a pool along the Civil W ar Track, La Serena on 3rd Apr and one near Calera y Chozas on 5th Apr.
BLACK-HEADED GULL Several at Embalse de Castrejon on 31st Mar, and two over fields north of Madrigalejo on 2nd Apr.
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL One Embalse de Zujar on 3rd Apr and one-two Embalse de Azutan on 5th Apr.
YELLOW-LEGGED GULL One IstS Embalse de Azutan on 5th Apr.
BLACK-BELLIED SANDGROUSE A total of 34 seen and many others heard at La Serena on 3rd Apr, mainly on the Civil War Track and the track signed Pavarosa.
PIN-TAILED SANDGROUSE Five seen along the Civil War Track, three seen on the Pavarosa track and many others heard in both these areas, on 3rd Apr.
FERAL ROCK DOVE Quite common around many of the villages. A few birds which resembled pure wild Rock Doves were present around cliffs in the Montfrague area.
STOCK DOVE A few seen around the steppes and the edge of the dehesa.
WOODPIGEON Fairly common in many areas.
COLLARED DOVE Fairly common in many areas, particularly near to habitation.
GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO Three seen Belen Plains on 1st Apr, one heard along the track past the finca "Suerte los Menudos" north of Madrigalejo on 2nd Apr and two seen mating near Calera y Chozas on 5th Apr.
CUCKOO Heard in several places and a few seen.
BARN OWL One heard calling at the Parador in Oropesa at 2 am on 5th Apr.
SCOPS OWL One heard calling near Tietar Cliffs on 3rd Apr.
EAGLE OWL One seen briefly and at least two calling Embalse de Castrejon on 31st Mar. One seen briefly in flight at Tietar Cliffs on 1st Apr and one seen perched in a crevice on Tietar Cliffs and another calling there on 3rd Apr.
LITTLE OWL Quite common in most areas.
ALPINE SWIFT Up to 30-40 around the Castillo at Benguerencia de la Serena on 2nd Apr.
KINGFISHER Fairly common alongside rivers and reservoirs in the area.
BEE-EATER Fairly common, seen in many areas and several apparent migrating flocks seen.
HOOPOE Very common in the steppe and dehesa.
LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER One seen from the car alongside the road on the lower slopes of the Sierra de Gredos.
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER One-two in pine woods on the lower slopes of the Sierra de Gredos range.
CALANDRA LARK Very common in most areas of steppe and agricultural land.
SHORT-TOED LARK Fairly common in several areas of the steppes, seen along the C-524 Trujillo to Monroy road on 1st Apr, along the track past finca Suerte los Menudos on 2nd Apr, along the Civil War and Pavarosa tracks at La Serena on 3rd Apr and near Calera y Chozas on 5th Apr.
CRESTED LARK Very common in most grassy and agricultural areas of the steppes.
THEKLA LARK Quite common in some of the rockier areas of the steppes and at Puerto la Nava.
WOODLARK Quite common seen in many areas of dehesa and the lower slopes of the Gredos Mountains.
SKYLARK Fairly common high up the Gredos Mountains.
SAND MARTIN Two seen along the track past the finca Suerte los Menudos north of Madrigalejo on 2nd Apr.
CRAG MARTIN Quite common around bridges and cliffs in most areas.
SWALLOW Quite common in most areas.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Fairly common in many areas, especially in the Montfrague area.
HOUSE MARTIN Quite common in many villages and around many of the bridges in the area.
WATER PIPIT Quite common on the upper slopes of the Gredos Mountains.
MEADOW PIPIT Quite common on many areas of the steppes.
SPANISH (YELLOW) WAGTAIL One Belen Plains on 1st Apr, one La Serena on 3rd Apr and one Embalse de Azutan on 5th Apr.
GREY WAGTAIL Two seen alongside a stream by the road leading to the Plataforma de Gredos.
WHITE WAGTAIL Quite common in many areas.
DIPPER One-two seen along the stream quite high up in the Sierra de Gredos.
WREN Quite scarce only heard in Montfrague and seen along the mountain road up to the Plataforma de Gredos.
DUNNOCK Quite common in the Sierra de Gredos from the lower slopes to very high altitude.
ROBIN One at Puerto la Nava on 2nd Apr and one-two behind the Parador de Gredos on 4th Apr.
NIGHTINGALE A few heard in several areas, presumably only just arriving.
BLUETHROAT One male of the unspotted Spanish race in low scrub high in the Gredos Mountains on 4th Apr.
BLACK REDSTART Fairly common around Penafalcon, Tietar Cliffs and in the Gredos Mountains.
REDSTART One male near Estacion de Bazagona on 3rd Apr and one-two singing in pine woods on lower slopes of the Sierra de Gredos range on 4th Apr.
WHINCHAT One along the Campo Lugar road on 2nd Apr.
STONECHAT Very common in most areas.
WHEATEAR Quite common, seen in several areas of the steppes and quite common in rocky areas of the Gredos Mountains.
BLUE ROCK THRUSH Quite common around the Penafalcon area where there were at least three singing birds present. Also heard singing at Tietar Cliffs.
BLACKBIRD Fairly common, seen in many areas.
SONG THRUSH One seen alongside the Rio Guadalefra on 2nd Apr.
MISTLE THRUSH A few seen e.g. near Estacion de Bazagona, near Madrigalejo and near Calera y Chozas.
CETTI'S WARBLER Quite common in most wetland areas.
FAN-TAILED WARBLER Quite common alongside the river courses and often singing from crops.
SEDGE WARBLER One along the Rio Gargaligas on 2nd Apr.
REED WARBLER Several singing Embalse de Azutan on 5th Apr.
SUBALPINE WARBLER Quite common in the dehesa and on the lower slopes of the Sierra de Gredos.
SARDINIAN WARBLER Quite common in most scrubby areas.
BLACKCAP One male along the track past Suerte los Menudos north of Madrigalejo, several in pinewoods on lower slopes of Sierra de Gredos.
FIRECREST Several singing in pine woods on the lower slopes of the Sierra de Gredos on 4th Apr.
GOLDCREST Two seen in pine woods on lower slopes of the Sierra de Gredos on 4th Apr.
LONG-TAILED TIT Birds of the darker headed Spanish race seen in Montfrague near Tietar cliffs on 3rd Apr and in pine woods on the lower slopes of the Sierra de Gredos on 4th Apr.
CRESTED TIT Heard in pines near Tietar Dam on 3rd Apr. Also seen in pine woods on lower slopes of the sierra de Gredos range and behind the Parador de Gredos on 4th Apr.
COAL TIT Common in pine woods on lower slopes of the Sierra de Gredos range on 4th Apr.
GREAT TIT Quite common in most areas.
BLUE TIT One seen along the Black-shouldered Kite track NE of Monroy on 1st Apr.
NUTHATCH Seen in pine woods on lower slopes of the Sierra de Gredos range on 4th Apr.
SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER Fairly common in Montfrague and in pine woods on the lower slopes of the Sierra de Gredos range.
PENDULINE TIT One male seen building a nest at Embalse de Azutan on 5th Apr.
GOLDEN ORIOLE One heard calling near Madrigalejo and one heard calling at Rio Gargaligas on 2nd Apr. Also heard near Corchuela on 4th Apr.
SOUTHERN GREY SHRIKE Quite common in many areas.
WOODCHAT SHRIKE Quite common in many areas.
JAY Seen near Zubaran on 2nd Apr, at Tietar cliffs on 3rd Apr (mobbing the Eagle 0wl) and in woods on the lower slopes of the Sierra de Gredos on 4th Apr.
AZURE-WINGED MAGPIE Very common along the roads around Monroy, Montfrague and many other areas.
MAGPIE Quite common in most areas.
CHOUGH One seen on the cliff face opposite Penafalcon on 3rd Apr.
JACKDAW Quite common breeding in the Parador at Trujillo among other places.
CARRION CROW Quite scarce a few seen on the lower slopes of the Sierra de Gredos on 4th Apr.
RAVEN Quite common and seen in most areas.
SPOTLESS STARLING Very common.
HOUSE SPARROW Quite common around the villages and often a few with the flocks of Spanish Sparrows.
SPANISH SPARROW Very common in many areas often nesting in White Stork nests. Seen Belen Plains, large numbers along the Trujillo to Monroy road (several flocks of 100+), La Serena (several flocks of 100+) and in smaller numbers in many other areas.
TREE SPARROW One-two seen alongside Embalse de Azutan on 5th Apr.
RED AVADAVAT Two-three seen along the track past the finca Suerte los Menudos north of Madrigalejo and 50+ along the Rio Gargaligas on 2nd Apr.
CHAFFINCH Quite common in many areas.
SERIN Very common seen in most areas.
CITRIL FINCH Quite common behind the Parador de Gredos, up to c20 birds seen during a ten minute visit on 4th Apr.
GREENFINCH Fairly common seen in small numbers in many areas.
GOLDFINCH Quite common in many areas, several large flocks seen in steppe areas.
LINNET Fairly common seen in many areas around the steppes.
CROSSBILL Common in pine woods on lower slopes of the Sierra de Gredos range on 4th Apr.
CIRL BUNTING Seen by the Rio Magasca and along the roadside on the lower slopes of the Sierra de Gredos on 4th Apr.
ROCK BUNTING Several seen in Montfrague at Tietar Cliffs and quite common along the road up the Sierra de Gredos. Several very tame birds were present and came to crumbs in the car park at the top of this road on 4th Apr.
CORN BUNTING Very common singing birds present almost everywhere except in the mountains.

OTHER SPECIES
SPANISH IBEX Quite common in the Sierra de Gredos and several by the roadside at Puerto del Pico.
RED SQUIRREL Seen in pine woods near the campsite at the base of Sierra de Gredos.
HARE One near Corchuela on 4th Apr.
RABBIT Several seen near Calera Y Chozas on 5th Apr.
DEER Red Deer and several other species seen (not sure which).
LIZARDS Several very large lizards seen (c1 foot long).
TERRAPINS/TORTOISES? Quite common along the Rio Magasca.

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